An international vaccine awareness campaign for the Geneva-based International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) was one of the agency’s main assignments, while Leith added National Lottery, Worldwide Cancer Research, Scottish Salmon Company, Skills Development Scotland, and L’Oreal to its client roster.

During the year to 31st December 2021, Leith increased revenue to £11.5 million (2020: £9.8m), while growing headcount to 131.

Providing advertising and design, a range of digital services, brand experiences, and insights and intelligence, Leith’s client list also includes IRN-BRU, NatWest/Royal Bank of Scotland, Network Rail, Edrington Group, Nando’s, the Scottish Government, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WFF).

At the beginning of 2020, Cello-owned Leith merged with fellow Cello agency, digital marketing specialist Signal, with 2021 marking the first full year of trading since the merger.

Richard Marsham, group managing partner, Leith, said: “2021 was a record year for the agency, in spite of it being a challenging year on so many fronts. Our mantra is around what we describe as ‘bold ideas that make a difference’, an approach that has helped us to secure new business across the UK and increasingly on the international front. Our digital services division has gone from strength to strength, working with clients like Nando’s and NatWest on big ticket assignments.”

“It’s also notable that we have developed leading edge expertise in the healthcare sector, including in pharmaceuticals and increasingly in areas like mental health and wellbeing, gained through a combination of tapping into the know-how of our parent group Cello, which has deep and longstanding industry experience, and working on large, international campaigns with big brand names and industry groups.”

Among senior hires and promotions during 2021, Leith appointed Vic Milne as its new head of strategy, replacing David Amers who had held the role for 26 years. Mr Milne has been with the agency since 2012, working with key clients including IRN-BRU, The Famous Grouse, and Baxters. Mr Milne, who heads up a multi-disciplined team of 16 people, also now sits on the Board at Leith.

The creative agency is currently hiring for a number of positions, and expects headcount to grow to more than 140 by the end of the year.